A/N Hi everyone! I'm loving the reviews I'm getting, please keep them coming. In this chapter we get a little more Edward and Bella time.
Enjoy!
Chapter Four
Grimacing, Edward sipped his coffee. Gold's Diner made a terrific stack of pancakes, but couldn't make a decent cup of coffee for shit. For the last two hours he sat in the diner, sipping terrible coffee, watching Bella Stevens.
Walking in earlier that morning, it surprised him to find every table, every booth, full. He finally managed to snag the corner booth thanks to his quick feet. Beating a group of middle-aged women, and a young couple who'd eyed the table, in the process.
Now he sat in his booth, pretending to read the local newspaper. Struggling to ignore sounds of incessant chatter, clanging glasses, and banging pots and pans from the kitchen. And the smell. Ugh. Thick in the air, all the different foods, along with the heat of the diner, it turned his stomach.
The second Bella finished her shift, he'd be out the door.
Yesterday managed to make it on a list of the worst days of his very long life. This coming from a man whose most vivid memory was his mother clutching his tiny arms, begging for his heartless bastard of father to reconsider taking him away. His only other memory including her, the day his father arrived at the training camp, the first time they'd seen each other in almost three years, to coolly inform Edward his mother perished in a fire.
Good times, he thought darkly. Even now, over a century later, hatred for the great Aeron Campbell burned like acid in his gut. Grief for the mother he never got the chance to know, weighed heavily in his heart.
Catching his thoughts, he shook off memories of the past. He detested wallowing in a past he could never change. Instead he concentrated on the here and now.
After being warned off by Mrs. Young, Edward realized he needed a way of integrating himself into Bella's life. Quickly coming up with an idea, one that meant he'd see her in the veterinary clinic often.
He grand idea required an animal.
Get something small, he'd thought at first. Like a hamster or a goldfish. But a goldfish didn't need to visit the vet, right? Would they even accept a goldfish's as a patient? He doubted it. With that in mind, he'd travelled to a pet store, choosing an animal that required needles, checkups, and—he winced even now at the thought—neutering.
Yes, yesterday Edward got a puppy. Despite being dead set on purchasing a hamster. An easy pet, which only needed feeding, cleaning, and watering. Something he could leave to its own devices. He discarded the idea after becoming aware a hamster might only get him, perhaps, one appointment at Bella Stevens's clinic.
A cat, he concluded. Cats did their own thing, right? They didn't need a lot of attention. Again, food, water, a warm place to sleep. But one glance at the tiny golden ball of fur yapping in a cage… he'd been lost.
Edward didn't want to consider what his brothers, his trainees, would think if they found out how, after one glance at a little golden retriever, he'd turned into a puddle of goo in the middle of a pet store.
He'd never live it down.
Edward, a battle-hardened Warrior who earned the respect of his superiors, as well as other beings who made up the supernatural world, didn't melt at the sight of a puppy. He didn't spend a fortune on chew toys, purchasing dog treats because he wanted to make the little mutt happy. He did not sneak said puppy into his room, or spend the night cuddled up to the little fur ball when it started whimpering.
What's happening to me? he wondered, scowling down at the newspaper.
He'd taken the thing for a walk earlier before stashing him away in the small bathroom. Placing a Do Not Disturb on the door handle, he prayed no one heard the little guy. He purchased a bunch of stuffed toys for the little mutt, even wrapped a ticking clock in a blanket, hiding it in a makeshift bed. He hoped it worked. He needed the little dude to remain quiet until he returned for him.
Angus, Edward thought with a small shake of his head. He named the thing Angus. He didn't know why, he planned to get rid of him as soon as possible. But the little guy needed a name in the meantime.
Sound of laughter, her laughter, caught his attention, sharp green eyes darting up, Edward found her easily. Everyone liked Bella Stevens, he discovered when subtly pumping a woman in the grocery store. She turned out to be a great source of information, and more than happy to fill him in on Bella. Edward knew his digging might get back to Bella, but it's a risk he took willingly, and one easily explained if she questioned him. To everyone, he appeared a young, red-blooded male, asking about an attractive woman he just met.
The woman, for the life of him he couldn't remember her name, told Edward almost everyone loved her. Those who didn't, claimed her too nice. Believed her kindness a falsehood. In reality, he knew her curse made "good". Kind. Unbearably sweet to those around her.
Even if they didn't deserve it.
Observing her as she hurried around the lively diner, Edward thought of her curse. Last night, he watched her from the window, using his tremendous hearing and eyesight allowing him to spy on her from his car as she worked the late shift. What he found witnessed didn't make sense. Sweet and kind, yes, but she also swore like a sailor, and made quite a few sarcastic remarks. Didn't think twice about speaking her mind, either. Or hesitate to put a couple of guys in their place when they'd given her attitude. Cutting them down to size swiftly, and with the skill of a surgeon before asking if they wanted to hear the specials. Edward looked on, stunned. Cursed at birth, right? Sweet, kind, unable to say a mean word to anyone?
Bella called those guys every name under the sun, took their order, and strolled away with a sassy sway of her hips.
Edward suddenly jolted in his seat, the vibrating phone in his pocket startling him. He lifted a hip, quickly seeking out the small object. Reading the name displayed, he tapped the screen. Answering, he brought the phone to his ear. "Hey, Jasper, what's up?"
"I'm just checking in. How's small-town life?"
Gaze still locked on Bella, he replied, "Monotonous. Small-town people, with small-town lives. How are things back home?" Home, a place desperately wished to return. Or better yet, Brooklyn, tracking down the bitch who killed his brother.
"Well, nothing's happening in Brooklyn," he replied as if reading Edward's thoughts. "The guys are still chasing their tails over there. Nothing's new here, either. Unless you count Benjamin acting like a bigger prick than ever."
Edward's brow furrowed. "Because of Mike? Have you tried talking to him?"
Jasper scoffed. "Fuck, no. I know it's sad, Ed. I liked Mike, too. But the dude got himself killed. Will I happily gut the bitch in retaliation? Hell, yes. But it's his own fault. Let's be honest: he picked the wrong time to think with his dick. If Benjamin can't handle the death of one of his brothers, then call a meeting with Emmett and sever his bond with the Bràthaireil. He'll keep his abilities, but lose his longevity," he rambled. "Then again, if he can't handle this shit, who wants him around for the next couple of centuries? I don't want him around now."
"You're right." But Edward doubted Benjamin would ever request Emmett to destroy his bond to the Bràthaireil, losing his title amongst Warriors. "I don't think it will happen," he said out loud. "Anything else I need to know?
"I've been spending some time with the beautiful Carmen. Turns out she's a lot like her bestie, Tanya."
Edward snorted. "Please tell me you're not banging Carmen."
"No can do, dude. The girl is a hellcat in the sack."
"Jasper, you've seen the shit I get from Tanya to this day. Unless you're serious about her, I advise caution. Or better yet, break it off. Now."
"I am serious about her," Jasper insisted. "I'm serious about banging her from now to next Tuesday. And before you begin a lecture, she doesn't want anything more from me." He paused. "I think she's ashamed of me."
Edward pictured his geeky, computer-obsessed friend. Not many witnessed the ruthless beast he became during battle. Or, should he ever decide to take Edward on he'd most likely win. They saw a nerd, who acted like a teenage boy, who spent most of his time in front of a computer screen.
"She's definitely ashamed of you."
Jasper chortled. "Ouch. Now, tell me about your day," he ordered like a worried mother sending her kid off to camp for the summer.
"Not much to tell. I got my ass kicked yesterday by an invisible force, threatened by Mrs. Young. I got a puppy. Now I'm sitting in the diner, watching every move Bella Stevens makes while trying not to feel like a total creep."
"You got a puppy?"
Of course, that's what he'd focus on. "Yes, I need a reason to 'bump' into Bella since she works the desk at the clinic."
"Send me pictures," he commanded.
"No. That's never going to happen. As soon as I'm done here, I'll shove the thing in the pound and forget all about it."
"You can't do that," Jasper protested. "Most shelters put the animal down if they can't find it a home. You will be sentencing an innocent puppy to death. Besides, a dogs for life, Edward, not just for Christmas. Isn't that the saying?"
"I'm hanging up now."
"No! Don't. I'm bored. Back to Bella. Weren't you in the diner last night? She's going to make you, bro."
"No, I watched her from outside the diner, like a good little stalker. And gave myself a bitch of a headache by letting in so much noise."
"Yeah, the advanced hearing is great until you overload," Jasper agreed. "It's a risk you take when you lower your barriers and let all that noise in."
"Don't I know it. And you don't worry, I'm not sitting in her section. She hasn't spotted me," he stated confidently.
"What's she like? Is she batshit crazy like her sister?"
"No. She's actually, kind of, normal."
"You expected, what? Three heads and a tail?"
Edward scowled. "No. Of course not. But I expected something different, that's for sure. When Tanya told us about her curse, I pictured a sweet woman, afraid of her own shadow. Not a woman with attitude, and a sharp tongue if necessary."
"So?"
"What do you mean, so? Isn't this chick supposed to be the epitome of goodness? She's... normal," he repeated, unable to think of a better way to describe her.
"You expected to find who? Glinda the Good?"
"Who's she?"
Jasper sighed heavily. "We seriously need to work on your movie trivia when you get home. Glinda, as in munchkins, ruby slippers, the yellow brick road. Is none of this ringing a bell?"
"Oh? Her." He thought about it for a moment before saying, "Yeah, I did. Kind of."
"Dude, she's cursed to be a good person, not a Disney princess. Even good people defend themselves. They get mad. Say things they don't mean sometimes. Only they say they're sorry first. And mean it. They forgive. I think a lot of people mistake good people as pushovers. They do the right thing, the kind thing. I bet if you watch her a little more, you'll see she genuinely cares about people."
Edward mulled it over. He'd seen her do little things, things no one paid much attention to, all day. Helping a woman with her stroller while entertaining the screaming toddler strapped inside, allowing the older gentleman who left his wallet at home to have his breakfast on the house. Bella didn't make a big deal out of it or act as if he needed charity. She helped him out and proceeded to brush it off as no big deal.
But it had been a big deal to him. Face burning crimson, embarrassed, he looked like he wanted to kick himself for his forgetfulness. Panicked eyes darted around the crowded diner, obviously humiliated, but Bella shrugged a shoulder, telling him not to worry about it. Claiming she forgot her purse yesterday. How she wished for a hole to swallow her up at the cash register. A lie, Edward knew, but a little white one to put the man at ease.
"I see what you mean."
"I ask again, what's she like?" Jasper demanded curiously.
Charming. The word popped into his head instantly. Edward wanted to kick his own teeth in for the thought. As his enemy; it shouldn't matter if he believed her charming or not.
"She's…nice," he finished awkwardly. He didn't want to tell Jasper what he truly thought of Bella Stevens. Share with his friend in the short time he'd watched her, and during their brief conversation, he found her to be a charming, funny, adorable woman.
He didn't want to admit it to Jasper, or himself.
Why he reacted to the witch the way he did, Edward didn't know, but he sure as hell resented it. He felt confused. Torn between his training as a Warrior, and what he felt as a man. He shouldn't be charmed by Bella Steven's, or find her funny.
Or check out her ass, he scolded himself, jerking his eyes from the arousing sight.
What's wrong with me? He never, ever let physical attraction distract him, allow it to cloud his judgement. He needed to keep his eyes away from Bella's shapely backside and get his head back in the game where it belonged.
No, he couldn't tell Jasper any of this. Until he knew what the hell was happening to him, Edward thought it best to keep his insanity to himself.
"Nice, huh? She sound's boring."
Edward thought of the woman who locked herself out in the rain, so she could learn how to pick locks under pressure, of the kindness she'd shown all morning. The way she flashed him a sweet smile before slamming the door in his face.
No, he didn't find her boring.
Despite his best intentions, his eyes sought her again. Hair tied back in a high ponytail, wearing an apron over her T-shirt and jeans, she looked beautiful. Her cheeks flushed from rushing around the diner, her smile never faltered. She moved with the grace of a dancer. And the energy of a small child, he thought, his lips curling into a crooked smile.
Chatting with diners, with other waitresses as she raced around, dropping in and out of conversations easily before she rushing off once more. She handled fussy customers, and a few rude ones, with grace. Singing softly to herself as she poured shitty coffee. Edward liked that the most.
Catching his inappropriate thoughts, Edward huffed out a frustrated breath, looking down at the newspaper as if he gave a shit about the mess the human race got themselves into today. Bella Stevens is a witch, jackass, he reminded himself. Possibly hiding the woman who tortured his brother, murdering him, yet he sat here, daydreaming about her singing?
What is wrong with me?
"Dude, you still there?" Jasper demanded.
Just tell him. Jasper may be a complete nerd, with an unhealthy obsession for computer games, but he's also a loyal friend. When the time called for it, he had a good head on his shoulders. He'd be the voice of reason to help Edward make sense of his disturbing thoughts and emotions. Get him back on the straight and narrow, something he desperately needed.
Before he got the chance to share his shameful secret, he spotted Bella making her way through the diner, tugging her stained apron from her waist as she hurried out back.
Checking his watch, he made a mental note of the time before telling Jasper, "I gotta to go."
Ending the call, Edward didn't give Jasper time to respond before. He needed to head back to the inn. Pick up the fleabag for his appointment.
He hoped Angus hadn't shit all over Mrs. Bodine's bathroom.
#
Bella arrived at the clinic. A two-story redbrick building with a white sign, almost obnoxious in its size, declaring it a veterinary clinic. Rosebushes grew beneath the windows, surrounded the modest parking lot out front. A field lay at the back of the building, a space for animal's within the clinic's care to get the exercise they required until well enough to return home.
After chaining her bicycle around back, she popped in the pass code on the door, entering once the lock clicked, granting her access inside. God bless air conditioning, Bella thought, standing still for a moment, crisp air soothing her skin.
Celia Bond, fifty years old, divorced, and downright mean sometimes, manned the receptionist's desk. Tapping her foot impatiently, her left hand frantically jotting something down on a thick notepad. Is she scribbling down ideas for the erotic novel she's writing? Bella asked herself, sneaking to the staff restroom to change her clothes.
Bella desperately wanted to read it. She'd love to know the grouchy woman's secret fantasies.
Turning the lock behind her, she headed toward the old gray lockers provided, dragging out the spare set of clothes she stored for days like this. Making a note to replace them, she quickly changed into her black slacks, comfy shoes, and ivory blouse.
Finger combing her hair, she hurried to waiting area with minutes to spare. Celia didn't appreciate waiting around, and Bella would rather start her shift a little earlier than be on the receiving end of one of Celia's snide remarks.
"You're late," Celia admonished without looking up from her notepad. The pen she gripped tightly scrawling words across the page. Bella tried to catch a glimpse, but couldn't decipher the woman's messy handwriting from where she stood.
Bella's eyes glanced at the large, round clock hanging on the wall. She arrived with three minutes to spare. She wanted to point this out to Celia but held her tongue.
"I'm sorry," she apologized unnecessarily.
Celia huffed. "I've been rushed off my feet all morning."
Bella eyes skimmed the waiting room. Busy, but not hectic. Plus, if she were rushed off her feet, why did she have time to make notes for her future best seller?
"I'm sorry," she repeated.
Why are you apologizing to her? Jessica's lazy voice yawned in her mind.
It's easier than listening to another rant, she replied telepathically. Celia can be…difficult.
Sometimes, little sister, it's better to make enemies than keep the peace. If it were me, she'd be on her knees, begging for her life by now.
Bella rolled her eyes. Then it's a good thing I'm not you, isn't it?
Her sister harrumphed. Why doesn't she like you?
Long story. Apparently, her ex-husband used to have it pretty bad for my mom in high school. Celia has yet to let it go.
Seriously? Jessica demanded. She's holding onto a grudge from high school? She's pathetic.
It obviously means something to her.
Yeah? Well, she's a grown ass woman, she should be over it by now. Send her little notepad flying across the room or I will.
Bella stifled a giggle. Goodbye, Jessica, she replied, cutting off their conversation before Jessica followed through on her threat. Celia may not be the nicest woman, but she didn't deserve her work hurled across the room for everyone to see.
"You should be," Celia replied, finally looked up from her notes, a scowl pinching her
attractive features. It disappeared when Dr. Bennett strode into the waiting room.
From the way her brown eyes lit up whenever he glanced at her, Bella surmised Celia's husband wasn't the only one to desire another.
Not that Dr. Phillip Bennett noticed, or would reciprocate her feelings if he did. Happily married to the high school principal since same sex marriage became legal in Georgia in 2015, he'd been in a committed, loving relationship since college, though it hadn't been easy for the couple. Small towns, Dr. Bennett would say whenever the subject came up.
Bella empathized with Celia. She loved a man she could never have. Something Bella understood all too well.
Shaking off thoughts of Jacob, Bella turned her to boss, flashing him a strained smile. He caught on quickly. Over the years, he'd walked over to find Celia acting rudely toward her often. Like those times, he winked at her, silently urging her to leave it to him.
"Celia," he greeted. "I know you're off home in a second, but would you mind staying a moment longer? I need a word with Bella," he added seriously.
Celia's smile brightened. Most likely assuming, having overheard their conversation, Dr. Bennett intended to reprimand the younger woman.
"Of course, Phillip. I mean, Dr. Bennett," she corrected herself quickly.
"Thank you. Bella, my office please."
Bella followed Dr. Bennett to his small office on the second floor. A tiny space, over-crowded with ugly, gray cabinets, a beaten-up old desk he'd found at a garage sale sat underneath a bare window. Dr. Bennett stated he didn't need much since he dealt with patients in the examination room downstairs. Plus, he didn't care if paying clients judged his decorating skills.
Once inside, with a dramatic sigh, Bella flopped herself down on his worn chair. Perched on the edge of his desk, Dr. Bennett regarded her with laughing eyes.
"I thought I'd give you a minute to collect yourself before you finally give in to temptation and bash her head in with a stapler," he commented.
Bella wanted to laugh. She'd never do such a thing, no matter how unfriendly Celia might be. But Dr. Bennett didn't know this. He didn't know of her curse. Simply assumed her fuse longer than others.
"I try to see it from her point of view, I really do, but I don't understand the woman. How can she hold a grudge against me? It happened years before I came along," she added, remembering Jessica's words from their conversation moments ago.
He shrugged a shoulder. "Blame your parents."
"I wish I did. I wish I could be angry. Instead, I feel sorry for her. For myself. Every time we cross paths, she takes a jab. I'm late. I messed up with an appointment. Or failed to mention a check-up at nine got cancelled. All of which are untrue, but I can't say that because whenever I try, she railroads me."
"Then don't let her. Would you like me to talk to her?"
Bella shook her head. "No. I don't want her to get in trouble, or to think I came running to you. I only wish she'd realize I'm not her enemy."
He chuckled. "Your mother used to say the same thing. Back in the old days," he teased. "Celia refused to believe it then, too. Since your mother and father moved away, she needs to take her anger out on someone."
"Why? Her husband left her for a woman from three towns over, not my mom. My parents are in another state, and she's refuses to let it go. I don't understand it."
Sliding off the edge of the desk to balance on the arm of the chair, he ignored the furniture's groan of protest at his added weight. "That's because you're too kind. You're so nice to people, it worries me. What will happen when you finally lose your temper, I wonder? You know what they say about the quiet ones." He nudged her shoulder with his elbow.
His fear would never become a reality, Bella knew. Unable to share the truth with him, she lightened the mood. "But how can she hate me? I'm adorable!" she exclaimed, succeeding in making him laugh.
As her boss, plus an old family friend, his laughter warmed her. "The woman is a mystery. An odd duck," he added.
"Well, I best get back to that 'odd duck'. I doubt even your brown eyes, or swoon worthy smile will soothe Celia's temper if she's left waiting too long."
He grinned. "Swoon worthy, huh? I like that." His expression sobered. "Don't let her get to you. If you change your mind, come talk to me. Your father would kill me if he finds out you're unhappy, and his oldest friend did nothing to help."
"I will," she promised, rushing outside to relieve Celia of her post.
Celia got to her feet. Her smile a shade smug, she left for the day.
Relieved, Bella lowered herself into the chair. Time to begin her second job of the day. Six hours, she thought, noting the time on the computer screen. Six more hours, then she'd swing by the grocery store before heading home for a movie night with her sister.
Smiling at the idea of quality time with her twin, Bella answered the phone on the second ring, ticking down the minutes in her mind.
An hour into her shift, she'd just finished booking a Dalmatian for her booster shots, when the bell above the door rang. Her mind still preoccupied from the conversation she'd overheard at the start of her shift, she didn't pay the bell much attention.
Two women, chatting about the local gossip. Nothing out of the ordinary. They talked about the latest rumors circling town, while Bella eavesdropped shamelessly, before discussing a new man in town. It must be the man she'd met outside her house the day Jessica came to town. She tried to listen in, to see what information they gained since his arrival. Much to her disappointment, it appeared no one knew much about him. Yet.
Forcing herself to focus, she started look up, to greet the person who entered. Before she could, the phone rang, someone cancelling an appointment last minute, which wouldn't please Dr. Bennett. He hated last minute cancellations. As she replaced the phone in its cradle, a masculine voice spoke over the noise of chattering clients. "Hello, Watson."
Lips curling into a brilliant smile, heart faltering in her chest, Bella's gaze shot to his. The handsome man, who assisted her in breaking into her house, stood before her.
"Hi. What are you going here?"
Lifting his arm slightly, he gestured to a small bundle of fur cradled in the crook of his elbow. Bella blushed, embarrassed she didn't notice the dog he held. Now that she noticed the puppy, she melted. She'd never seen a puppy as adorable the one he held. The type that made children plead with parents for one of their own. Fluffy golden fur, happy brown eyes, and paws he, or she, hadn't grown into yet. Bella could see herself begging her parents for one, too.
"I've got an appointment at two." He glanced at the watched strapped to his wrist. "I'm a little late. This little guy got a hold of a box of tissue paper. A war must have broken out between the two of them."
"A war, huh? Well, I hope he won, at least. It's okay. Dr. Bennett is running a little behind, too. He shouldn't be long. What's this little guy's name?" she asked, pushing to her feet. Bella gently petted the sweetest thing she'd ever seen.
"Angus."
Her gaze shot to his. "Angus," she echoed, laughing softly when the puppy began lapping her fingertips with his tongue.
"Yeah," he replied. A little defensively, she thought. "It's a strong name." His green eyes darted to the puppy whose tongue hung out, dark eyes bright with enthusiasm. He added, "He'll grow into it."
"I'm sure he will," she agreed. "How long have you had him?"
"Since yesterday morning."
Her eyes widened. "Yesterday?" Tucking her finger underneath Angus's chin, she met the puppy's chocolate-brown eyes.
"Yes."
Stepping back, she peered at the man, a small smirk playing on her lips. "You do realize Mrs. Bodine doesn't allow pets of any kind, right?"
He returned her smirk with a boyish grin she liked a little too much. "How do you know where I'm staying? Checking up on me?"
Bella barked a laugh at the satisfied gleam in his eyes. Did he like the idea of her asking about him?
"No," she replied honestly. With Jessica's surprise return, she hadn't paid him much thought since he strolled away from her. "In a town this small, the rumor mill runs pretty fast. I'd been at my desk ten minutes when I overheard two ladies talking about you. And if I know these ladies, which I believe I do since they're here all the time, I should know your life story, and marital status, by their next appointment."
He continued to smirk down at her. The cutest little crinkles appearing at the corner of his eyes. Bella declared it unfair. Boyish smile, dimples, and laugh lines. How did a girl like her resist a man like him? Considering his confidence, how he flirted so easily with her, she doubted many women resisted.
"You could always ask me yourself."
Bella shook her head. "No. It's more fun this way."
He chuckled, a deep rumbling sound. "Well, you let me know when you find out about my sordid past," he teased. His brow creasing, he suddenly frowned down at her. "You're not going to rat me out, are you?" He unleashed puppy-dog eyes on her enough rival Angus's in the cuteness department.
"What? And make this little guy homeless?" She gestured to Angus, who snuggled up to his owner. "No, it will be our little secret." Shuffling slightly, she asked, "You're planning on staying around a little longer, huh? You're not just visiting someone?"
He held her gaze for a long moment.
"I'll be staying for a little while longer than I planned. Since that's the case, I decided to get myself a buddy. The job would've been yours, but you were too busy slamming a door in my face to hear about the position. In the rain," he added solemnly. "After I saved you from spending the night on the porch."
Bella bit her lip. Now way would she laugh. The man's ego appeared big enough already.
"That doesn't scream small-town hospitality, does it?"
"No, but it does scream common sense," she tossed back.
The two stood there, smiling at the other, sharing a private joke. A joke that confused those eavesdropping on their conversation. While it might not be understood, it would spread throughout town they'd seen young Bella flirting with the new man in town.
Before she could break the silence, Dr. Bennett's voice sounded from over the speaker phone. "Bella, can you send in my two o'clock, please?"
"That's you. Down the hall, third door on the left."
He tipped his head, sexy grin still in place, he strode away. Angus glancing back, his little tail whipping from side to side.
"See you around, Angus," she called out. His rumble of laughter echoed back to her.
#
Much to her disappointment, Bella missed her new friend on his way out. She waited patiently, feigning indifference. Acting as if half the people in the waiting room weren't gawping at her.
While attempting to appear busy, she checked in on Jessica. Only her sister's voice didn't pop in her mind, teasing her about her run in with her lock picking pal. Three times, Bella attempted to connect with her sister. Three times she failed.
Worried, she rushed to the restroom, asking the veterinary nurse to cover the desk for a few minutes. After a few more attempts, Jessica's voice finally responded, explaining she'd fallen asleep on the sofa.
Bella was too relieved to spot the lie.
Returning to her desk, Diane Smith, the manager of the grocery store, informed her, rather loudly, she just missed him. And he looked just as disappointed, she added with a wink.
How humiliating.
Deciding she'd given them enough for one day, Bella concentrated on her work.
Or tried too, anyway. Every so often, her thoughts would drift to him.
A handsome man who made her laugh. And an adorable puppy. An animal lover, always a plus in her opinion.
Bella remained strong throughout the rest of her shift. Proud of her self-control, she mounted her bike at the end of the workday, heading into town. Nothing would distract her more, she knew, than a slasher-movie marathon with Jessica. Maybe a tub of ice cream to share. She laughed. Who was she kidding? A tub of ice cream each.
Upon entering the grocery store, Bella informed her sister she'd be home soon. Jessica sounded excited, if a little distracted, for the night's festivities to begin. She begged her sister to bring home popcorn. After stating she didn't enjoy the traditional movie snack, Jessica protested she couldn't watch a poor, hapless teenage girl with fake breasts get hacked up without it.
As Bella predicted earlier, some whispered as she grabbed a shopping basket. Some shot conspicuous glances her way. Ignoring them, avoiding the gaze of Amanda, the cashier, she made her way directly to the junk-food.
Pausing to make the tough decision between cookie dough or chocolate fudge, a deep, familiar voice demanded, "Are you following me?"
Overfilled shopping basket in hand, she spun to find the man behind the voice. "What?"
Standing in worn-out jeans and a T-shirt, he leaned against the freezer door. No Angus this time, she noted, her heart once again thumping in her chest. Suddenly she felt hot and flustered, despite cool air wafting from the open freezer door.
Shutting the door, Bella tried to come up with a witty response. "What?" she asked again when nothing else came to mind.
He aimed his smile, the one that made her stomach flutter, directly at her. His eyes, like earlier, bright with laughter. "I wanted to know if you are following me? First, I see you at the clinic. Now in the ice-cream section. Should I be worried?"
Bella switched the heavy basket from one hand to the other before replying. "You should be worried?" she demanded. "You came up to me in the street. You came to me earlier, again, this time at my place of work. Now, here we are again, with you popping up out of nowhere while I'm minding my own business. I'm starting to think I need to watch my back."
Go, Bella, Jessica cheered. Bella's shoulders to stiffened. Your flirting skills need work, but you're getting better.
Her sister's bad habit of dropping into her mind whenever she felt like it, rose its ugly head once again. Yet Jessica made sure she couldn't return the favor. Not since that night...
Stop it, she hissed. If I laugh in front of this man, he will think I've got a few screws loose. Also, my flirting does not need work!
You keep telling yourself that, little sister, she chuckled before vanishing from her mind.
She liked the way he held himself, Bella decided. Tall and strong, self-confidence rooted within him. It showed in every smile, every step. Even the way he leaned against the freezer door. As if he owned the place. The world.
Bella didn't know why it appealed to her. She'd never liked borderline arrogant men before.
"Don't worry. You're safe with me," he assured her quietly.
"I'm sure that's what all psychopaths say. Where's Angus?"
He grimaced. "He's not talking to me. He considers our trip to Dr. Bennett an unforgivable betrayal. When I left him, he'd just begun his attack on the toilet-brush holder. I know he was picturing my face as he gnawed on the bristly part. Which is why I'm here. To replace it before anyone notices."
Biting the inside of her cheek, she asked, "How do you know he pictured you?"
"It's in the eyes."
Bella broke then. She couldn't hold back the smile lighting her face if someone held a gun to her head. From the smug gleam in his eyes, he knew it, too.
His eyes flickered to her basket. "You got plans tonight?"
She nodded. "Yes." With her sister, who no one knew existed.
"Is it with your deputy friend?" he asked casually. A little too casually, she sensed.
Could this man, a stranger, dislike the idea of her vegging out in front of the television with her ex? More importantly, why did the possibility please her so much? She didn't even know his name.
"No. I don't have plans with him."
"Good. How about tomorrow night? Got any plan's then?"
Is he asking me out? Bella had only been in one relationship her entire life. A relationship which started in middle school. She didn't know how to read the signs. She also didn't want to embarrass herself by assuming he'd asked her out, only to find out she'd read the signals wrong.
Of course, he's asking you out, Jessica spoke inside her mind, butting in yet again. He likes you, it's so obvious. He wants to take you out. Say yes.
I can't, she replied. He's a stranger. An incredibly sexy stranger, who is so out of my league. Besides, you're here. I can't leave you to go off with a guy I barely know.
Jessica laughed. He's human, little sister. I think you can handle him. Or if you'd like, I can always come with you. Make sure he's who he says he is. Keep's himself in line. Hide in your car on the street in case he decides to get fresh.
No! Bella shouted in her head. While Jessica might be teasing now, she'd do it.
Jessica cackled inside her mind, most likely at her swift rejection. Bella, it's a date. There is no "going off." He takes you out, buys you a drink, maybe you got to dinner or a movie. You have fun. Say yes.
What about you? She worried. I'll be at work all day, out with him at night. You'll be all alone. I can't leave you. We don't know how much time we've got together.
Bella, Jessica spoke firmly. I am here for as long as we want. And even if I leave, I will never allow Carlisle, or anyone else, to separate us again. Say yes. Have fun. Then come home with some juicy details, she added saucily.
He continued to stand there, looking down at her with a confused expression on his handsome face. "Are you okay?"
Blinking, her cheeks burning bright red, she replied quickly, "I'm fine. Are you asking me out?" When confused, Bella found honesty worked wonders.
"Yes. I am."
She bit her lip, deciding. "Okay. I'd like that."
His smile grew. He looked so sexy, she became very much aware that she didn't. Tired, sweaty, her hair a mess from the bike ride, and she didn't smell too fresh, either.
He, on the other hand, looked perfect. He was perfect. Much more Jessica's league, she believed, but refused to let it get in the way.
"I'll pick you up tomorrow night. Around seven, if you're free."
"I am."
"Good. I'll see you then," he added, turning on his heel to stroll away.
"Hey!"
He turned. "Yeah?"
"What's your name?" It wouldn't keep him talking for long, but the only thing she could think of. Also, it seemed a good question to ask. For all he knew, she'd just accepted a date with someone whose name she didn't even know.
He chuckled. "Haven't the gossips in town told you yet?"
"No. They must be slacking off." If she admitted she spent ten minutes simply staring at the information in Angus's file, he'd call her a stalker.
There might be a little truth behind that.
"They must be," he agreed. "My name is Edward Campbell."
She smiled. "I'm—" she began.
"Bella Stevens. I know. See you tomorrow." He turned, continuing on his way down the small aisle.
Acting on instinct, she called out, "Checking up on me?"
He didn't bother to stop this time. Looking back over his shoulder, he winked at her. "Maybe," he said before exiting the store, leaving her standing there. Grinning like an idiot.
#
Bella's smile refused to dim through the freezer section, or as she picked up a bottle of wine. Or when she rushed back down the aisles to collect her favorite bubble-gum-scented hand sanitizer.
It lasted all the way out of the store, only to fall like a led balloon when she bumped into Jacob. The town's deputy. The man who broke her heart.
"Hey, Bella. You off home?" His smile warm, even while sadness lingered in his dark eyes.
"Yeah," she replied nervously. Despite it being almost a year since she'd called off their engagement, Bella still found it awkward around him. The wounds still raw, the cruel words spoken still fresh in her mind.
Words he didn't even remember saying.
"How are you planning on getting this stuff home?"
Bella frowned down at the heavy shopping. She purchased a lot more than she planned to. "I'm thinking I'll ride with no hands. You know, like you taught me when we were kids."
He chuckled. Bella wanted to close her eyes, savor the sound of his rich laughter. While his laughter brought her pleasure, it also brought pain—like a jagged knife embedded in her chest, piercing her heart.
Bella missed it. She missed their private jokes, and lazy Sunday afternoon's watching movies. She missed him.
She wondered if, one day, she'd be able to see him, talk to him, and feel nothing but happiness. She hoped so. Preferably one day soon.
"Come on," he ordered, gesturing towards his truck. "I'll take you home."